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We are thinking of spending time on the coast next year and wondered about the best places to go, also maybe the keys, I know some of you are experts in this field so advice much apprecieted, DM if you want, good hotels etc in the keys.
Carn't seem to make up our mind I would love a villa on the beach!!!!! I know wouldn't we all!! We have looked at the villas on here on the coast just don't know where?? I seem to remember a member on here staying on Sanibel?
We have stayed at Cape Haze, Port Charlotte and Englewood and the area is fantastic. Much quieter than the areas often recommended for visiting and that is why we like them. Why not do an enquiry of the Gulf coast villas on OV as this would be an excellent starting point:)
We visit Sanibel regularly and stay in a beachfront condo. We think it is the absolute best part of Florida but is very different from a lot of other locations. If you enjoy lots of nightlife or have older children to keep entertained then it's probably not the best choice.
It's a question personal preference. There are some beachfront homes available for rent there but the prices are staggering - you could pay up to $50,000 for a month. Shorter term rentals at reasonable rates in properties like that are almost impossible to find. If you are OK with a condo there is plenty of choice and the location is wonderful. Many are literally 'on the beach'.
If you need a larger property I know there are a number Gulf Coast owners on this forum who rent lovely villas shorter term in the surrounding area.
This is also our favourite region in Florida. Earlier this year we rented a villa through Virgin in Naples and we had a very central location within short driving distance of beaches, the Harbour and many shopping areas. I have seen some beautiful villas on the Gulf Coast on this site and our next visit will be in the Cape Haze, Port Charlotte or Englewood region as we visited here briefly and felt it deserved alot more of our time.[8D]
Ravtino,
as you most probably know from the links above there are a number of villas available on the Gulf Coast from Naples upto Clearwater. If you look through some of the links in the is Gulf Coast section you will also see there is a lot more to the region than "just" the stunning beaches and ther are a number of places to visit.
When we have been to the Keys we have stayed in motels but its usually just a night or so.
I've posted this elsewhere but a number of my guests have used the link below to travel to Key Wesy for 2 or 3 nights and then returned to the Gulf; saves all the driving and you can have a villa as a base but still enjoy the Keys:
http://www.keywestshuttle.com/
Also a couple more links to get you started on the Gulf:
http://www.babcockwilderness.com/
www.edison-ford-estate.com
www.arcadiarodeo.com
http://www.napleszoo.com/
andrew
I would endorse all what Katys Grandad said about Sanibel island. A Condo or even one of the Motels on the beach is the way to go in my opinion - location, location, location. Get up go for a walk on the beach or swim/fish and go back for breakfast. Sun too hot at midday? go back to room for an hour or two.
I don't think many people appreciate just how far the Keys are from Central Florida.
One thing to be aware of on much of the Gulf coast is that when the sun goes down, the insects come out to play!
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
One thing to be aware of on much of the Gulf coast is that when the sun goes down, the insects come out to play!
[/quote]
Or rent a villa with the screened in pool[msnwink][msnsmile2]
Although I must admit I have never found the insects a problem ( we haven't been in July or August though.)
andrew
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Robert5988
Sun too hot at midday? go back to room for an hour or two.
[/quote]
Although you will find most gulf coast villas have a shady lanai with overhead fan for a quiet zzzzzzzz or read.
Longboat Key, Sarasota is just paradise. Beaches, Restaurants etc are just amazing. Currently in Key Largo been here for 1 day and doesn,t look bad at all.
we just returned from Marco Island..........wonderful place, a little more going on than Captiva where we stayed last year, which we also loved. Fabulous villa across from the Tiger Tail beach. Paradise.
Siesta Key near Sarasota, famous for the posh shops and restaurants of St Armands Circle, great beach, ideal for visiting the sights of Sarasota including the Ringling circus museum.
I love Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples etc - all along that coast is lovely for a relaxing break [8D]